Pneumonia is a fatal lung infection that can progress to complications such as sepsis (blood poisoning) and meningitis (inflammation of the brain's protective membranes). The course of treatment for this contagious infection depends on its severity. Continue reading to explore how to prevent yourself and your loved ones from pneumonia in Worcester.
What are 3 ways to prevent pneumonia?
- Vaccination: Pneumonia is often brought on by the flu, so avoiding infection through vaccination is an excellent approach to prevent pneumonia.
- Personal hygiene: Always wash your hands before eating or preparing food, especially after using the restroom, changing a diaper, or wiping your nose or eyes.
- Optimize your health: Symptoms that persist for more than a few days should raise concern, as pneumonia commonly follows respiratory infections. Don't use tobacco products, and make healthy lifestyle choices.
What is the best way to prevent pneumonia in Worcester?
In Worcester, the best way to prevent pneumonia includes:
A good rest at home may benefit you with the treatment. If the cause of pneumonia is bacterial, antibiotics are the most effective. However, if a virus is a cause, your immune system needs antibodies to fight off the germ. Getting a pneumonia vaccination is the best way to reduce the risk of infection.
Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration as a complication of the disease. A hospital stay may be necessary for more severe conditions.
If you begin treatment immediately, you may start feeling better within a few weeks. Bacteria can develop resistance to an antibiotic if treatment is discontinued halfway through a course.
What is the main cause of pneumonia in Worcester?
Pneumonia can have a wide range of possible origins in different settings.
Community-acquired pneumonia:
It is the most common cause and may originate anywhere other than healthcare facilities. It may be caused by the following:
- Bacteria
- Viruses, including COVID-19
- Fungi
Hospital-acquired pneumonia:
During hospital stays due to other illnesses, some people contract pneumonia followed by compromised immunity.
Aspiration pneumonia:
This usually happens when you inhale any particle into your lungs due to an abnormal gag reflex caused by any brain injury or swallowing problems.
Healthcare-acquired pneumonia:
Healthcare staff members may acquire bacterial pneumonia in long-term care facilities.
Who should get the pneumonia vaccine in Worcester?
Children: if a child is younger than 2 years, the vaccine is safe. Moreover, a child between the age of 2 to 5 years with certain health conditions such as chronic lung disease, heart problems and diabetes can also get the vaccine.
Adults: It is recommended that adults between the ages of 19 and 64 with asthma, COPD, diabetes, heart disease, or who smoke cigarettes receive the pneumonia vaccine.
Older adults: All adults aged 65 and above require vaccination against pneumonia.
Additional pneumococcal vaccinations are given as per recommendations if a child or an adult is at risk of progressing with the disease.
How do you prevent a cold from turning into pneumonia?
If you catch a cold that lasts more than 7 to 10 days, you should take precautions immediately because it can lead to pneumonia. Symptoms may manifest abruptly or gradually.
These preventive measures may help you prevent severe illness:
- Getting vaccinated. Vaccination may not eliminate the risk, but it can effectively lessen the infection's severity.
- A good enough rest can help you recover quickly from colds and other illnesses.
- Optimise your health and lifestyle, including personal hygiene, a balanced diet, routine exercise, and stopping smoking.
- Be sure to hydrate yourself to prevent congestion and dehydration properly.
Contact us or book your appointment at Worcester Travel Clinic for further queries.
